Merry Christmas!

Thank you for all the good wishes! I'm doing ok right now, no more pain meds. I have to clean the abode, as having company tonight and tomorrow, but I like that. I feel like Uncle Joe from Petticote Junction, moving a bit slow.

Eddie, Merry Christmas and I'm really trying to stay well! SlaggleRock, more letters are coming! I promise. As you said, 'Better late then never.'

Check This Out, Local Superstation

Husband and wife team. Their son already served in Iraq and is returning in January. The other day I realized that in Chicago area we have a mayor's son; a prominent radio personality couple's son; I don't know how many of my students' fathers, brothers, sisters; and my own children's friends serving in a war situation. God bless them all.

Maybe some readers will get this. I was a bit too young to know many Vietnam Vets. Ok, a real close fella I went to the jr. college with offed himself on drugs, but he was 6 years older than I, when I was in my early 20's. I hugged his mom and gave generously to the rehab charity that was designated.

For the Gulf War, I donated and sent many letters about their 'mysterious disease' that seems to be linked to chemical warfare. I wrote letters about the real correlations between service and illness. Shouldn't have been necessary, but seems it was.

This war, this war on terror...more like the world wars of old. Hey, while personally poor, I was raised in an affluent area. I teach and live in an affluent area. As of today, I know at least 12 folk, personally or through others that are in harm's way. Guess what guys, we ARE at war. If I and mine know them, we are really at war. This is not a 'poor man's war' but an everyman's war.

Slow Blogging Will Continue

Came home and broke my toe, my little toe. Hurts enough to make me forget the back, until I go up the stairs. I will not regale you, dear reader, though I'm sure my tale of klutzville could provide moments of hilarity for you, I will not indulge. Needless to say, I may be offline for a few days. If I don't come back prior to Christmas, Merry Christmas to all! Happy Hanukah and good night!

Thank You!

I can't think of a better thank you. Not just to the Marines, but to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and God knows all of the Reserves, thank you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIEND
‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind, a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more, so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene, not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night, owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play, and grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year, because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice, “Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice! I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this Marine from his toes to his head. Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure, said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all's secure.” One look at my watch and I knew he was right,Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight."

©Copyright circa 1991 by James M. Schmidt(As printers in the December 1991 issue of the USMC magazine, Leatherneck)

Very Slow Back Blogging

Emergency room and admittance. Kids brought me the laptop, but they took it away. Lots of pain medication and once again in traction. Just got sprung a few hours ago. Mucho pain trying to type, so not much will be forthcoming for a bit. Rejected idea of surgery, but oh the meds are good, though tomorrow I'll stop. Addictive personality here.

Ok, There Is A Reason

I went to Powerline to send congrats for being named "Blog of the Year" by Time, and what do I find?